Author(s): Wenjing Lu; Feng Shi; Yijun Guo

Linked Author(s): Jenny LU

Keywords: Huizhou Weir; Ancient Water Conservancy; Cultural Heritage; Socioeconomic Development

Abstract: This article examines the historical development, structural features, and socioeconomic contributions of Huizhou Weir, a 1,700-year-old irrigation system in China. Built during the Eastern Jin Dynasty (AD 327), the weir exemplifies ancient hydraulic engineering ingenuity, adapting to the region’s mountainous terrain through adjustable sluice gates and stone-and-earth structures. Its design ensured stable water supply for over 10,000 acres of farmland, underpinning agricultural prosperity and contributing over 60% to Huizhou’s agricultural GDP. The weir’s integrated water management system -- featuring reservoirs, canals, and ponds -- balanced resource distribution while fostering collective governance. Managed collaboratively by local governments, clans, and merchants, it enhanced social cohesion and occupational specialization, reflecting a harmonious interplay between community labor and institutional oversight. Beyond agriculture, its construction spurred ancillary industries like stonemasonry and metallurgy, while modern tourism has revitalized the site, with heritage routes and landmarks like Lei Weir attracting visitors and generating 30% of Huizhou District’s tourism revenue. In 2014, Huizhou Weir was designated a UNESCO World Irrigation Engineering Heritage site, recognizing its global significance and China’s rich hydraulic legacy. This accolade underscores its role in sustainable development and cultural preservation, offering lessons in resilience and community-driven stewardship for contemporary water scarcity challenges.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64697/978-90-835589-7-4_41WC-P1894-cd

Year: 2025